• Swindon & Wiltshire Awards
• Tuesday June 23 2026

Financial planners recognised in national awards

The team at Southby & Co. Financial Planning has been awarded Highly Commended in multiple categories in prestigious national awards which recognise financial services firms that are building strong and supportive working environments for their teams.

The Swindon firm were named Highly Commended in both the Women’s Equality Champion category and the Mental Health Advocacy category at the Workplace Excellence Awards 2026, run by FT Adviser.

These awards, now in their eighth year, highlight businesses across the UK that are making a real effort in how they support their people, from day to day culture through to wider inclusion and development.

Founder Dave Southby said: “Being acknowledged for creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and empowered is something we’re incredibly proud of.

“These recognitions reflect the culture we’ve worked hard to build and, most importantly, the fantastic people who make Southby & Co. what it is.”

The awards recognise firms for what they are actually doing for their people, rather than what’s written in policies. Being awarded as ‘Highly Commended’ for the Mental Health Advocacy Award is an honour for the team.

“When it comes to financial support and advice, putting mental health first is essential and it starts within our team and out to our clients,” said Dave.

“Being recognised at the Workplace Excellence Awards for our efforts is towards mental health awareness and support is fantastic and it fuels us to keep going.”

Being awarded Highly Commended in the Women’s Equality Champion category is particularly important to financial adviser, Jenny Ashfield.

“I’m really passionate about helping more women feel confident with their finances, so being part of a business that supports that and encourages those conversations makes a big difference day to day.”

Southby & Co. has built a small team working with clients across Swindon and North Wiltshire. As the business approaches its fifth anniversary and continues to grow, the team is six-strong and far from its early days of being a one-person operation.